Product classification
HS code for Textile waste: 6310.10
Rags, used or new, scrap twine, cordage, rope and cables and worn out articles of twine, cordage, rope or cables, of textile materials, sorted.
Classification of textile waste under HS 6310.10
The classification of textile waste under HS code 631010 is determined by the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), specifically GRI 1 and 6. This code falls under Chapter 63, which covers other made-up textile articles and worn clothing. The heading 6310 is specifically dedicated to used or new rags, scrap twine, cordage, rope, and cables. The subheading 631010 is distinguished by the requirement that the materials be "sorted." Sorting is a critical industrial process where waste is categorized based on fiber composition, such as cotton, wool, or synthetic fibers, or by the specific condition and color of the material. This sorting process adds value and determines the material's suitability for downstream industrial applications. For instance, sorted cotton rags are often used in the production of high-quality industrial wiping cloths or as a source of cellulose in the paper industry. In contrast, sorted synthetic scraps might be mechanically shredded to produce shoddy or mungo, which are then used as insulation or padding in the automotive and furniture industries. The classification excludes textile waste that has been pulled or garnetted back into a fibrous state, which would instead fall under the respective headings for fibers in Chapters 50 through 55. Accurate classification under 631010 requires documentation that the sorting process has occurred prior to importation, as unsorted waste is relegated to 631090, which often carries different regulatory requirements or duty rates.
- Covers
- Sorted cotton rags for industrial wiping
- Sorted scrap synthetic cordage and rope
- Sorted worn-out textile cables
- Sorted new textile scraps from garment manufacturing
- Sorted used textile articles no longer fit for their original purpose
- Also under 6310.10
- Kimberly-Clark WypAll Wipers (if made from sorted rags)
- Tork Industrial Wipes
- recycled cotton fiber bales
- sorted textile waste for shoddy production
- automotive wiping cloths
Codes often confused with 6310.10
Common mistake. Textile waste is frequently misclassified under 631090, which is the code for unsorted rags and scrap. The distinction relies entirely on whether the material has been categorized by type or quality. Additionally, cotton waste from the spinning or weaving process is often confused with this code but should be classified under 5202. Furthermore, if the waste has been processed back into a fibrous state (garnetted stock), it must be classified under 5505 for synthetic fibers or 5202 for cotton.
Top exporters and importers of HS 631010 (the code used for textile waste), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 631010 (the code used for textile waste) in UN Comtrade data was Bangladesh, with about 33% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 28% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 631010, not only textile waste.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Bangladesh* ~$113M 33% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 Netherlands $28M 8.1% of world exports
- 3 China $24M 7.1% of world exports
World total: $339M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $112M 28% of world imports
- 2 United States $80M 20% of world imports
- 3 Poland $26M 6.3% of world imports
World total: $405M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM code for textile waste
Brazil classifies textile waste under NCM 6310.10.00: HS 6310.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about textile waste
What is the HS code for Textile waste?
The HS code for Textile waste is 631010 (Rags; used or new, scrap twine, cordage, rope and cables and worn out articles of twine, cordage, rope or cables, of textile materials; sorted).
How do I classify Textile waste for customs?
Textile waste is classified under HS code 631010 — Rags; used or new, scrap twine, cordage, rope and cables and worn out articles of twine, cordage, rope or cables, of textile materials; sorted. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for sorted textile waste?
The HS code for sorted textile waste, including rags and scrap twine or rope, is 631010.
What defines "sorted" in this classification?
Sorted refers to materials that have been categorized by fiber type, color, or specific industrial utility rather than being shipped as a bulk, heterogeneous mixture.
Which countries are the top exporters of textile waste (HS 631010)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 631010 (the code used for textile waste) in UN Comtrade data were Bangladesh (about $113M, 33% of world exports), the Netherlands ($28M) and China ($24M). World exports came to about $339M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of textile waste (HS 631010)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 631010 (the code used for textile waste) in UN Comtrade data were India ($112M, 28% of world imports), the United States ($80M) and Poland ($26M). World imports came to about $405M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Is the HS code for Textile waste the same in all countries?
The base HS code 631010 for Textile waste is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for textile waste in Brazil?
In Brazil, textile waste (HS 631010) is classified under NCM 6310.10.00.